Mixed-methods evaluation of multi-sport activity days for children and adolescents with disability in Australia

Abstract

Background

Children and adolescents with disability (CAWD) face many barriers to sport participation and report lower levels of physical activity compared with children and adolescents without disability. Multi-sport activity days (MSADs) could address several barriers to sport participation faced by CAWD. This study examined the experiences of CAWD at MSADs, including both facilitators and barriers to participation that these children and adolescents faced.

Methods

This study was a mixed-methods evaluation of MSADs in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This included surveys of the parents/carers of CAWD who attended a MSAD and interviews with CAWD who attended a MSAD. The survey assessed facilitators and barriers to participation, and the interviews explored CAWD's experiences at MSADs.

Results

The 15 MSADs held across NSW reached a total of 1839 CAWD. Of these, 86 (5 ​%) parents/carers completed a survey, and 6 CAWD participated in an interview. The interviews revealed that CAWD who attended the MSADs reported positive experiences, highlighting social connections, a sense of commonality and belonging, increased self-esteem, confidence, skills development, and a sense of joy (interview data). Common barriers to sport participation included cost (32 ​%), not knowing where to play (28 ​%), lack of appropriate sporting competitions (28 ​%), lack of interest (28 ​%), and not knowing how to play (26 ​%) (survey data).

Conclusions

MSADs can provide positive sport experiences and overcome some barriers to participation for CAWD. However, ongoing support and accessible participation pathways are required to translate initial engagement into sustained involvement in sport.